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"As increasing numbers of advisors choose this model, we are committed to providing the education, resources, and ongoing partnership to help them make a successful and sustainable transition."

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schwab Advisor Services today released its analysis of 2016 Securities
Exchange Commission (SEC) registration data, which indicates that the
number of advisors who entered the independent space – as registered
investment advisors (RIAs) – showed strong momentum. According to the
data, new registrations at the SEC level grew by 75 percent since 2012,
from 114 new RIA firms to 199 new firms in 2016. Firms established in
2016 represent nearly $55 billion in assets under management (AUM).

“We believe passionately in the independent model and the value it
delivers to advisors and their clients,” said Jonathan Beatty,
senior vice president and head of sales and relationship management. “As
increasing numbers of advisors choose this model, we are committed to
providing the education, resources, and ongoing partnership to help them
make a successful and sustainable transition.”

Firms of all sizes are being drawn to independence, but large firms are
increasingly prominent in fueling the movement. The percentage of firms
turning independent with at least $300 million in AUM has doubled since
2013. In addition, the firms with over $300 million in AUM managed a
total of $35 billion in AUM in 2016, a 15 percent increase over the
previous year.

Beatty shared the analysis in the lead-up to Schwab IMPACT®,
the largest and longest-running annual gathering of independent advisors
in the nation, where many advisors attend to evaluate the merits of the
independent model.

A showcase for independence

At IMPACT this year, Schwab will host a record number of advisors who
are exploring the independent model. These individuals participate in a
dedicated session track that addresses specific questions and
considerations about moving to independence.

In addition, they and the more than 1,750 current Schwab Advisor
Services clients in attendance, will hear from a
line-up of keynote speakers and explore the full ecosystem that
Schwab brings to bear to champion and support independent advisors’
success.

“We’ve been champions of the independent model for 30 years. The
momentum in this industry speaks to the fact that more and more advisors
are seeking the flexibility to create the kinds of firms investors are
seeking,” said Beatty. “We are proud to be part of the momentum and to
support advisors at every step along their journey.”

Additional resources for advisors who are considering independence

In addition to offering focused sessions at IMPACT for advisors who are
exploring the independent model, Schwab provides an array of online
resources and educational materials, such as the RIA Roadmap, an
Economic Discovery tool, and case studies of advisors who have
successfully moved to the independent model.

About the SEC registration data

Schwab Advisor Services collected and analyzed RIA registration data for
2016 from SEC registration filings. Collectively, the data includes 199
firms and represents approximately $55 billion in AUM. To be included in
the analysis, firms must have been established in 2016. More details can
be found in the full
report.

About Charles Schwab

At Charles Schwab we believe in the power of investing to help
individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging
the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit
investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing
our clients’ goals with passion and integrity. More information is
available at www.aboutschwab.com.
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